ulnar collateral ligament
Ross Hauser, M.D.

The ulnar collateral ligament supports the inside of the elbow and is a reason for most chronic medial elbow pains. The UCL is responsible for holding the ulnar bone to the distal end of the humerus. This enables the arm to flex, pivoting at the elbow. An patient's complaint of pain on the inside of the elbow will cause the some doctors to examine the lateral epicondyle's "sister," the medial epicondyle. Some doctors will diagnose medial epicondylitis and recommend NSAIDS, or a cortisone shot.

It has also been shown to be the most important stabilizing structure for the elbow in response to an elbow blow to the lateral side (valgus stress) (Hotchkiss, R. Valgus stability of the elbow. Journal of Orthopedic Research. 1987; 5:372-377.)

Another study showed that weakening of the ulnar collateral ligament had a profound effect on range of motion of the elbow. (Morrey, B. A biomechanical study of normal functional elbow motion. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1981; 63A:872-877.)

This could effect quite a number of different athletes in various sporting events. The ulnar collateral ligament is also important because it refers pain down the arm into the little finger and ring finger. This same pain and numbness distribution is seen when the ulnar nerve is aggravated. The ulnar nerve lies behind the elbow and is the reason why hitting your funny bone causes pain. Because most physicians are not familiar with the referral pattern of ligaments, elbow pain and/or numbness into the little finger and ring finger is often diagnosed as an ulnar nerve problem, called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. A more common reason for this condition is ligament laxity in the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae or in the ulnar collateral ligament, not a pinched nerve. The point to remember here is that if an athlete is given a diagnosis with the word "syndrome," the athlete should turn the other direction and run to the closest Prolotherapy doctor. If the athlete is not significantly better after a month of physiotherapy, it is time to check out of that mode of treatment and check into Prolotherapy.

A common mode of treatment for ulnar nerve problems is surgery. The orthopedist removes the ulnar nerve from its normal home in the bottom of the elbow and moves it to the side. An athlete given surgery as the mode of treatment for a pain complaint should obtain a second opinion from a Prolotherapy doctor who is competent in the treatment of Prolotherapy. Surgery should normally be performed only after all conservative options, including Prolotherapy, have been attempted. Prolotherapy to the ulnar collateral ligament is the most successful way to eliminate medial elbow pain.